Philly beverage tax-funded Pre-K program begins

It's day one for students in Philadelphia's pre-kindergarten program funded by the controversial new sweetened beverage tax. (WPVI)

WPVI

Wednesday, January 04, 2017

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) --

It's day one for students in Philadelphia's pre-kindergarten program funded by the controversial new sweetened beverage tax.

The Action Cam was at the SPIN education center in Northeast Philadelphia on Wednesday morning for the first day of class.

With smiles on their faces, students eagerly greeted their teachers.

The city's chief education officer, Otis Hackney, was there to make sure things went smoothly.

Parents we talked to are happy the program exists.

"A lot of parents can't afford daycare and this program is not only good for working parents, but it's good for children because it's one step closer to when they actually go to kindergarten or first grade," said parent Despina Steiros.